Online ticket platforms such as StubHub have changed the process of purchasing and selling event tickets. Whether you’re looking to attend a concert, a sports event, or a theatre production, StubHub has become a favourable choice for many individuals. But, with the advantages of these platforms, there are concerns about getting scammed, too.

StubHub was created in 2000 as an online store where people can buy and sell tickets for various events, such as concerts and sports games. StubHub helps ensure that everything goes well when people buy and sell tickets. It’s important to know that another big company called Viagogo owns StubHub now and sells tickets.

Are you concerned about getting scammed on StubHub? This article discusses common scams on StubHub and tips to protect yourself.

StubHub safety measures

StubHub has implemented several safety measures to protect buyers and sellers. For instance, the company guarantees the validity of the tickets sold on its platform. If you purchase a ticket through StubHub that turns out invalid or fake, they will find a replacement ticket or refund your money. This guarantee provides peace of mind to many users.

Additionally, StubHub offers a secure payment system that processes transactions, safeguarding your financial information. Using this system when buying tickets is always advisable to ensure financial security.

Also read: Can you get scammed on Zelle?

The risk of scams

StubHub is a popular platform for buying and selling event tickets, but it’s not immune to scams.

Yes, it’s possible to get scammed on StubHub.

While StubHub is a legitimate marketplace for tickets, risks are still involved. Here are some insights into potential scams associated with StubHub:

Fake Tickets: Scammers create counterfeit tickets that look convincing. Buyers may not realise they have fake tickets until they arrive, causing them to lose money and miss the event.
Duplicate Listings: Sometimes, sellers may accidentally or intentionally list the same ticket multiple times, leading to overbooked tickets. Always double-check the listing and ensure it’s a unique offering.
Fraudulent Websites: Scammers may create fake websites that mimic StubHub. Buyers who use these websites may unknowingly provide their personal and financial information to fraudsters.
Too Good To Be True Deals: Offers that seem too good to be true are often a red flag. If a deal looks exceptionally cheap or offers exclusive access, be cautious.
Secondary Ticket Market: StubHub is a secondary ticket market that operates as a platform for reselling tickets. This can lead to increased risks compared to primary ticket sellers.
Scams for Sellers: Buyers and sellers can also be victims of scams. There are fraudulent transactions where sellers receive fake payments or face disputes.

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Tips to protect yourself on StubHub

Here are some tips to help you avoid ticket scams and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed:

Don’t Buy Tickets Early: Avoid buying event tickets from websites before they officially release the tickets. Scammers often trick you into buying early, but it’s a mistake.
Don’t Call Phone Numbers in Emails: If you get an email with a phone number, don’t call. Instead, visit the official website, like Ticketmaster.com (or whichever tickets are being resold), to find the real phone number. Scammers use fake emails.
Be Cautious with Customer Service: Be careful if customer service seems pushy or unfriendly. Scammers might act urgently to make you rush into decisions. Hang up and contact the official customer support instead.
Don’t Share Ticket Photos on Social Media: Don’t post pictures of your event tickets on social media. Scammers can use them to deceive others or create fake tickets.
Don’t Buy Tickets Onsite Until Scanned: Be cautious when buying tickets near event venues. Some scammers sell fake or already used tickets. Don’t buy from them if they won’t walk with you until your ticket is scanned.
Contact Ticketmaster or StubHub: If you suspect a scam, contact Ticketmaster or the resale site where you bought the tickets. Ask for a refund or new tickets.
File a Chargeback: If you’ve been scammed, try to get your money back by contacting your credit card company or payment platform and asking for a chargeback.
File an Official Complaint: If you believe you’ve been scammed, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and IdentityTheft.gov. Filing a complaint helps stop scams and protect others. You can do this at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If scammers have your personal information, file an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov.